Thomas Champagne
Whether they're playing a smoke filled bar in the middle of
nowhere or on the steps of the Texas State Capitol, this
Texas born band brings the funk no matter what. With smooth
sounds ranging from reggae to rock, Champagne With Friends
is sure to get any crowd on their feet. Based on the
songwriting style of Gulf Coast native Thomas Champagne,
this usually four member combo has audience’s young and old
shaking the dance floor. With a strong Cajun jazz and funk
foundation, layered with the sounds of the islands,
Champagne with Friends is sure to energize any evening.
Born in the middle of mosquito country on the "Right
Side of Texas" or Beaumont as they call it, Thomas
Champagne grew up with the best of both worlds, Texas Pride
and a Cajun Spirit. Hitting the stage by the age of 14,
Thomas' musical roots were formed on piano, bass, and
drums. While attending Texas A&M University in the mid
90's, Thomas formed a funk-rock quartet known as 4D2 and
began playing throughout the state as the bassist and
vocalist. Around the turn of the century, Thomas moved back
to his hometown and starting performing bass with the
Folsom Creek, a rock/bluegrass mix. After a great run of
shows and a new album weeks from hitting the shelf, the
group folded and out of disappointment and depression,
Thomas discovered his true songwriting style, funky reggae.
For the first time ever, Thomas took the stage as the front
man forming his own band, Audioflava, a jazz/funk/pop
entity that evolved into an electric power trio featuring
Danny Anderson on guitar and Carlos Lopez on drums.
Audioflava and Thomas moved to Austin, TX where he started
working at Arlyn and Pedernalis Studios. After a few years
in Austin, Danny and Thomas decided it was time to hit the
road and began touring the states as a duo, Champagne
Anderson. With such a great success on the road as a duo,
Thomas and his friends headed to the studio in the Fall of
2007 to complete their long awaited album, "Old Town", and
hence form the group, "Champagne with Friends". Along with
fellow Beaumontians, Nicholas F. Nolden and Danny Anderson,
and the “Monster” himself on the drums, Mr. Carlos Lopez,
Champagne with Friends have been steadily touring the
states, shaking the stage, and spreading their good word.
